How to Oil a Paper Shredder

In order to keep your paper shredder in great condition and extend its lifespan, it is important to oil the shredder’s cutting blades on a regular basis. Oiling your shredder is a simple and quick process that should be done every time you change the bag or empty the waste basket, or at least once per month if you use the shredder infrequently. Using specifically designed shredder oil, like Fellowes Powershred Performance Shredder Oil, is recommended to avoid any damage to your unit that may not be covered by the warranty. There are two methods to oil your shredder using shredder oil, or you can opt for pre-made sheets, like the Aleratec Shredder Lubricant Sheets, for a mess-free option. By oiling your paper shredder, you can ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently while preserving the motor and extending the life of your shredder.

Why Should I Oil My Shredder?

Keeping your paper shredder in great condition and prolonging its life is important. One simple way to do this is by regularly oiling the shredder. Oiling your shredder is easy and doesn’t take much time, so there’s really no reason not to do it. By oiling your shredder, you can ensure that it continues to function properly and efficiently.

Determining How Frequently to Oil Your Shredder

The frequency at which you should oil your shredder depends on a few factors. Firstly, the type of shredder you have will determine how often it needs to be oiled. Cross cut or micro cut shredders require more frequent oiling than plain strip cut shredders due to their additional cutting mechanisms.

Secondly, the frequency and heaviness of use also impact how often you should oil your shredder. The type of material being shredded and the number of pages fed into the shredder at one time can also affect the shredder’s performance and oiling requirements.

A good rule of thumb is to oil your paper shredder every time you change the bag or empty the waste basket. If you use your shredder infrequently, oiling it once per month should be sufficient.

How to Oil a Paper Shredder

Using Specifically Designed Shredder Oil

When oiling your shredder, it’s important to use specifically designed shredder oil, such as Fellowes Powershred Performance Shredder Oil. Avoid using vegetable oil or sewing machine oil, as these may cause damage to your shredder that is not covered by the warranty.

Shredder oils are specially formulated for the purpose of lubricating shredders, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

Alternative Method: Using Shredder Oiling Sheets

If you prefer a less messy option, you can use commercially available shredder oiling sheets, such as the Aleratec Shredder Lubricant Sheets. These pre-made sheets contain the right amount of shredder oil and make oiling your shredder as clean and easy as feeding a regular piece of paper through the unit.

Method 1: Squirt a Small Amount of Oil into the Paper Opening

To oil your shredder using shredder oil, start by unplugging the shredder. Using the long tip that comes with the shredder oil bottle, squirt a small amount of oil into the paper opening and onto the cutting heads. Run the bottle from one side to the other, taking about 1-2 seconds to complete one single pass.

After oiling, engage the manual reverse mode on the shredder, plug it back in, and run it in reverse for about 10-15 seconds. This allows the shredder oil to transfer to all of the internal cutting components. Finally, shred a few sheets of paper to remove any excess oil from the blades.

Method 2: Draw S Pattern Lines on a Clean Piece of Paper

Another method to oil your shredder is by drawing S pattern lines on a clean piece of paper using shredder oil. Ensure that the coverage of the oil is even across the entire page, but there’s no need to soak the paper in oil.

Feed the paper with the oil pattern through the shredder, and once the page has been shredded, run the unit in reverse for about 5 seconds. This will spread the oil throughout the cutting mechanisms. Again, shred a few more sheets of paper afterwards to remove any excess oil.

Method 3: Using Pre-Made Shredder Lubricant Sheets

If dealing with oil is not your preference, you can use pre-made shredder lubricant sheets. These sheets are designed to oil your shredder, and they come sealed with the right amount of oil needed. Simply feed the sheet through the shredder as you would with a regular document, and it will distribute the oil as it shreds.

No matter which method you choose, the key is to start oiling your paper shredder regularly. By doing so, you’ll experience smoother and quicker operation, reduce strain on the shredder’s motor, and extend the overall lifespan of your shredder.

Engaging the Manual Reverse Mode

After oiling your shredder, it’s important to engage the manual reverse mode. This helps distribute the oil throughout the cutting components and ensures that there are no residual oil buildup in the shredder. By running the shredder in reverse for a short period of time, any excess oil is eliminated.

Removing Excess Oil

To remove any excess oil after oiling your shredder, simply shred a few sheets of paper. This will help soak up any remaining oil on the blades and ensure that the shredder is clean and ready for use. It’s important to remove excess oil to prevent it from transferring onto documents and potentially causing damage.

Benefits of Oiling Your Paper Shredder

Regularly oiling your paper shredder provides several benefits. It helps maintain optimal performance by keeping the cutting blades sharp and reducing strain on the motor. Oiling also prevents paper jams by ensuring smooth operation. Additionally, proper lubrication ensures that the shredder remains in good condition and extends its lifespan.

Don’t neglect the maintenance of your paper shredder. By following these simple steps and oiling your shredder regularly, you’ll ensure its longevity and dependable performance for years to come.